Japan Expands Import Capacity: USGC Corn Mission Hears Plans Firsthand
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 5, 2011 — The U.S. Grains Council’s 2011 Corn Mission to Japan, China and Vietnam toured the Kushiro Port in Hokkaido, Japan, and heard firsthand the plans to expand the port’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels.
Kushiro is the largest port facility in the heart of Japan’s major dairy producing area – Hokkaido, Japan.
The Director of the Kushiro Port Office for Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Dr. Tetsuya Hayakawa explained to the group that the port was selected in June by MLIT as one of the eight ports designated to undergo a massive expansion in an effort to remain competitive internationally. While Japan can accept the capsize or the post-panamax vessels expected with the expansion of the Panama Canal, this initiative will contribute greatly to Japan’s ability to handle larger ships with a faster distribution process.
Mission participant Tom Mueller, from the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, said the visit was a worthwhile and vital interaction as the expansion of the port will help to increase Japan’s grain import capacity at a competitive price. “Japan is our number one market for corn. This expansion and work to accommodate the larger vessels will help to ensure that Japan will continue to be a reliable customer. At the same time, it will help to reduce transportation costs, and positively attribute to Japan’s ability to remain competitive,” he said.
Mission members include:
• Bruce Wetzel, Board Member, Texas Corn Producer Board
• Pat Feldpausch, President, Corn Marketing Program of Michigan
• Tom Mueller, Board Member, Illinois Corn Marketing Board
• Randy Woodruff, Board Member, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board
• Paul Herringshaw, Vice Chairman, Ohio Corn Marketing Program
• Kurt Hora, Board Member, Iowa Corn Growers Association
• Rob Korff, Chairman, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council
• Kelly Brunkhorst, Ag Program Manager, Nebraska Corn Board
• Nancy Kavazanjian, Communications Director, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Inc.
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Multimedia Available: Photos
The U.S. Grains Council is a private, non-profit partnership of farmers and agribusinesses committed to building and expanding international markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum and their products. The Council is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has 10 international offices that oversee programs in more than 50 countries. Financial support from our private industry members, including state checkoffs, agribusinesses, state entities and others, triggers federal matching funds from the USDA resulting in a combined program value of more than $28.3 million.
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